Ridge, the U.K. multidisciplinary built environment consultancy, has partnered with global private markets manager CVC, with its equity partners advised by Winston Taylor.
The firm guided the team on the CVC equity investment as Ridge's equity partners remain significant shareholders in the business.
Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Oxford, Ridge helps clients turn complex briefs into buildings and infrastructure that perform in the real world. The partner-led consultancy has enjoyed a period of sustained, organic growth. The CVC investment marks a significant milestone for Ridge, enabling the consultancy to continue investing in its proposition for clients and its people, and to take on larger and more complex projects—driving continued organic growth and strategic M&A.
Adrian O'Hickey, Senior Partner at Ridge, said: "Securing investment of this caliber is a testament to what our people have achieved—a business that has doubled in size while staying true to what makes it Ridge. This next chapter isn't about Ridge becoming a different business—it's about giving us the scale and capability to grow as we always have: delivering exceptional work, bringing more outstanding people into the business and staying focused on our clients. CVC understands the model that got us here and brings the resources and reach to help us go further. Jonny and his team provided clear, commercial and strategic counsel that gave our leadership team real confidence throughout the process."
Jonny Bethell, Partner in the Private Equity team, who advised on the transaction, said: "Ridge is a business with a remarkable track record of growth and a genuine commitment to its people and clients. We are delighted to have supported them in securing a partnership with CVC that reflects the progress of the business to date and positions it for its next chapter of growth."
The deal reflects Winston Taylor's strength in advising founder-led and partner-led businesses through private equity transactions, and the firm's longstanding expertise in the built environment sector.
The team advising the Ridge's equity partners was led by Jonny Bethell (Partner) and included Omar Amin (Senior Associate), Brad Mycock (Senior Associate), Miranda Robertson (Associate), and Jordan Emery (Associate) in the Private Equity Team. Claire Matthews (Partner, Tax & Incentives) and Helen Farr (Partner, Labor & Employment) also advised.